University of Missouri Extension

IPM1007, Revised November 2009

Practical Weed Science for the Field Scout: Corn and Soybean

Foxtail, giant (Setaria faberi)

Summer annual grass

A clump-forming summer annual with a seedhead that resembles a fox's tail. Giant foxtail is a weed of many agronomic crops, turf, landscapes and nurseries that is found throughout the United States, especially in areas with fertile soil. Leaves may reach 16 inches in length and 15 to 25 mm in width, and are generally covered with many small hairs on the upper leaf surface, except near the leaf base. Auricles are absent and the ligule is a fringe of hairs reaching 3 mm in length. The seedhead is a cylindrical, bristly panicle that becomes drooping with maturity. Giant foxtail is generally larger and has a nodding seedhead, unlike green or yellow foxtail.

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